[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 105 (Wednesday, June 16, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E656]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN PHYSICAL THERAPY 
                              ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. DONALD S. BEYER, JR.

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 16, 2021

  Mr. BEYER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 100th 
anniversary of the American Physical Therapy Association.
  The APTA is the leading professional membership organization for the 
physical therapy profession, with a mission to build a community that 
advances the profession and improves the health of society.
  As the predecessors to modern-day physical therapists, reconstruction 
aides were strong women who played an integral role in the recovery of 
many soldiers during World War I. Through their work, they demonstrated 
the value of the physical therapy and the impact it would have in the 
future of American healthcare.
  The vision of the physical therapy profession is to transform society 
by optimizing movement to improve the human experience. The efforts to 
launch a physical therapy education program began in 1960, with the 
first two classes of physical therapist assistants entering the 
workforce in 1969. Throughout its history, physical therapy has had a 
role in military hospitals, on the response team during the polio 
epidemic, and is currently helping those recovering from the novel 
coronavirus.
  The work of a physical therapist spans many settings, from hospitals 
to homes, schools to veteran facilities. Physical therapy has been 
effective at reducing pain and being a first-line approach that has 
assisted countless Americans. During these difficult times, physical 
therapists and physical therapist assistants have faced their 
challenges head on, treating the most vulnerable and working with those 
recovering from the severe effects of COVID-19.
  Please join me in commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the American 
Physical Therapy Association.

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